ASA Research
At the heart of the ASA's mission lies a commitment to advancing the field of sonography through robust research endeavours. We recognise that evidence-based practice and research serve as cornerstones for elevating the standards of our profession, fostering continuous growth, and ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes.
As an ASA member, you play an integral role in this journey of advancement. Your support in responding to surveys, applying for ASA grants and conducting your own research, not only fuels our efforts but also underscores the value of belonging to a community dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in sonography.
Through our grants program, the ASA is proud to fund new research initiatives, empowering sonographers to explore new horizons and lead innovative applications within our field. We take pride in nurturing talent and providing the necessary backing for clinical audits and research projects.
The ASA regularly conducts research that sheds light on the current landscape of sonography practice. By investing in studies that delve into the state of our profession, such as employment and salary, and work, health and safety, we gain invaluable insights that not only inform our dialogue with policymakers but also shape our strategic intent.
The ASA also commissions, funds and supports research into sonographer public awareness, scan times, ultrasound-guided MSK injections and the impact of Covid-19 on the sonography profession.
In essence, by supporting the ASA, you are not just investing in your own professional development, but also contributing to the advancement and strengthening of the entire sonography community. Together, we are shaping the future of our profession, one research endeavour at a time.
Research projects underway
You are invited to participate in a research study about sonographer educators in point of care ultrasound (POCUS).
- This involves participation in a free pilot CPD short course designed to equip sonographers for POCUS teaching in critical care settings.
- The hybrid CPD short course involves self-paced online learning AND attendance in person at a training day on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (prior to the ASA Melbourne conference).
- This research is supported by ASA, ASUM, EMUGs, GE, MINDRAY, MEDIQUIP and CARDIAC SKILLS AUSTRALIA, and expert sonographers and physicians.
- We welcome all accredited general or cardiac Australian and New Zealand sonographers interested in POCUS teaching. Those with prior POCUS teaching experience, as well as sonographers new to POCUS, are invited to join this course.
Completed research projects
The ASA has commissioned the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence at the University of South Australia to undertake research into ultrasound examinations scan times. The project seeks to identify the relationship between transducer times in the context of overall scheduled exam times, and identify if there is a relationship with quality outcomes.
The project aims to assist in setting scheduled exam times, to ensure sufficient time is allocated to support quality outcomes for patients. This includes creating awareness that scheduled exam times need to allow time to not only physically scan a patient, but also undertake additional tasks such as gathering patient history and informed consent, documenting findings, and cleaning equipment.
Ultrasound Examination Scan Times Research Project Report
The growing need for therapeutic ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections have led to longer wait times for appointments. Sonographers, with the proper training, are in a good position to perform these procedures, which are generally low-risk. This study looked at how patients felt about getting these injections from sonographers with respect to patient safety and satisfaction.
The ASA has funded this research from International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia.
Sonographer administered ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal (MSK) injections - FAQ's
To say that Covid-19 significantly affected the healthcare sector is an understatement. The researchers at UniSA, funded by ASA, undertook important research focusing on the impact to the sonography profession. It aimed to capture how the reduction in work hours, diversification of duties, incidences of cessation of certain standards, protocol changes and wellbeing impacted sonographers in real time, as the global pandemic was unfolding.
The project found that the Australasian sonographic community experienced significant impacts from COVID-19, as evidenced by a series of surveys conducted over time.
Survey One highlighted the initial effects of COVID-19 on scan numbers and sonographers' work hours. The findings from Survey One were presented in three parts and were recognised by the World Health Organisation on their database.
Changes in scan numbers and sonographer work hours
Changes to sonographic examination protocols and access to personal protective equipment
Sonographer professional, personal, and social wellbeing
Survey Two, capturing the intermediate impact of COVID-19, indicated a return to normalcy in work hours for most sonographers, increased PPE supplies, and a return to normal protocols. Dr Jessie Childs summarises the findings from Survey Two in this Webinar.
Survey Three focused on the Delta outbreak, showing that sonographers' work hours were largely unaffected, PPE supplies remained high, and overall, sonographers felt safer compared to the initial outbreak. However, there were noted decreases in sonographer wellbeing across the surveys.
In response to ongoing changes and concerns, Survey Four was added to capture the impact of the Omicron outbreak. This survey aims to document protocol changes, examination impacts, sonographer wellbeing, and the status of ultrasound in Australasia during the Omicron outbreak. The research aims to inform future policy decisions and document this crucial period during the pandemic.
Work health and safety is an extremely important issue for ASA members because sonographers deal with a variety of physical and emotional pressures as part of their everyday practice. Every few years the ASA distributes a survey to members in order to build a snapshot of WHS in our profession and based on the results and findings, deliver valuable insights and to help us develop resources to better support sonographers in their role.
The reports below examine sonographer workflow and volume, experiences and reporting of physical pain, impact on mental health and burnout, as well as available support systems.
View the reports here:
ASA Workplace Health and Safety Report 2023
ASA Workplace Health and Safety Report 2021
ASA Workplace Health and Safety Report 2014
The ASA conducts research aimed at garnering insights into the employment landscape and trends among sonographers. This research delves into aspects such as working conditions, entitlements, and compensation, providing a benchmark against previous findings. This data serves as a crucial tool in advocating with governmental bodies.
The latest findings reveal significant statistics:
A majority, 79% of the sonography workforce is female
The count of full-time sonographers has reduced to 46%
72% of sonographers are employed in private practices, while 25% work in public institutions
Geographically, 63% of sonographers are situated in city or metropolitan areas, 31% in regional towns, and 6% in rural or remote locations.
View the Employment and Salary reports here:
2024 Employment and Salary report
2022 Employment and Salary report
2019 Employment and Salary report
2017 Employment and Salary report
2014 Employment and Salary report
2013 Employment and Salary report
2012 Employment and Salary report
In 2019, the ASA initiated research to explore public awareness and perceptions regarding sonographers. The findings revealed a general lack of awareness about the sonography profession, despite a widespread acknowledgment of the importance of ultrasound as a diagnostic healthcare tool.
Only 11% of respondents could identify a sonographer as the health professional conducting their ultrasound, yet 95% recognised the significance of ultrasound in healthcare.
The majority of respondents expressed a strong belief in the necessity of regulating sonographers, citing concerns over diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. Interestingly, while 93% believed sonographers were regulated, 82% expressed concerns about the lack of regulation. Despite this apprehension, the absence of regulatory knowledge did not deter individuals from seeking ultrasounds; however, it did lead to a higher likelihood of seeking a second opinion or questioning the quality of diagnostic results, as indicated by the statistics showing a 53% increase in both behaviours.